SERIE A MATCH REPORT

Fiorentina dominated this match and wasted numerous chances, but still scraped a 1-0 win over Bologna thanks to StevanJovetic’s cheeky flick.

Stefano Pioli celebrated his 100thSerie A match as a Coach in this Derby dell’Appennino, so-called because the two cities are separated by the Appenine Mountains. Bologna missed Henry Gimenez, MikaelAntonsson, Diego Perez, GianlucaCurci, Stojanovic and Rene Krhin. Fiorentina were still without Alberto Aquilani and the suspended Gonzalo Rodriguez, but ex-Manchester City defender Stefan Savic got his debut.

Alberto Gilardino returned to face his former club, having scored 48 goals in 118 games for the Viola, while veteran Luca Toni got his first start of the season.

Fiorentina took the lead from a corner after seven minutes. NenadTomovic nodded down the set play, which turned into an assist for StevanJovetic to flick it past Federico Agliardi from six yards with the outside of his boot and his back to goal. Bologna wanted the offside flag, but replays show he was level.

Jovetic waved a shirt with ‘Happy Birthday’ written in Montenegrin, dedicated to his sister.

Agliardi smothered a Mati Fernandez attempt set up by Savic, but Jovetic should’ve added a second when sent clear by a Toni header only to misplace his lob.

EmilianoViviano flew to deny an Alessandro Diamanti free kick and straight after the restart CesareNatali risked a second yellow for his blatant shirt tug on Toni.

Toni thought he had scored on 51 minutes, but was flagged offside when a Manuel Pasqual free kick was parried on to his head. Replays show it was an extremely close decision.

Federico Agliardi rushed off his line to crucially intercept Borja Valero’s pass that would’ve put Toni in front of an empty net.

It was remarkable how much Fiorentina dominated this match while still only being 1-0 up, as Juan Cuadrado tested Agliardi and the Bologna goalkeeper needed a double miraculous save to deny both GiulioMigliaccio and the Tomovic follow-up.